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The Student Perspective

“KESS initiative allowed me to attend the graduate college, which was an unlimited supply of workshops and tutorials that allowed me to develop my interpersonal skills, which is important for moving forward and developing as a scientist.”

Huw MorganKESS Alumnus - Cardiff University

KESS 2 for Students

What is KESS 2?

Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarships (KESS 2) provides opportunities for funded PhD and Research Masters study in collaboration with an active business or company partner. It is supported by European Social Funds (ESF) through the Welsh Government and involves all universities in Wales, led by Bangor University.

KESS 2 projects are tailored specifically to a research area which is of interest to the company partner, combining R&D with real-world application from the outset of the project.

What makes KESS 2 Scholarships different?

Collaboration: The programme is based on collaboration, something that is increasingly important to the success of both large and small businesses.

Area Specific: The research project is specific to an area of interest for the company partner.

Real-world Application: The company partner provides supervision for the student and access to their business for some of the study period.

Personal Development: All projects are integrated with a higher-level skills training programme, the Postgraduate Skills Development Award (PSDA), meaning that a KESS 2 scholar really understands how to apply their knowledge in a business and enterprise context.

Quick Facts for Students

Who is KESS 2 for?

If you are interested in a higher level research degree, and in learning about the application of your research in a business and enterprise context, then KESS 2 is for you.

Appointed KESS 2 students must be resident in the Convergence Area of Wales on university registration and have the right to work within the region following the end of their study period.

What is the Convergence Area of Wales?

The Convergence Area covers West Wales and the Valleys, and is made up of the following 15 local authorities:

What's it like to be a KESS 2 student?

From the valuable business links to the collaboration involved, KESS 2 scholarships are unique and no two projects are alike. KESS 2 funded research has taken place between students and company partners across different academic disciplines and business sectors.

As well as integrating the Postgraduate Skills Development Award (PSDA) into every scholarship, KESS 2 students attend a residential Grad School where they can participate in workshops and meet other scholars outside of the research environment.

What is the level of funding for a KESS 2 student?

A Research Masters (MRes; Masters by Research; MPhil) scholarship includes a tax-free training allowance (stipend) of £11,246 for a year, with full-time fees waived by the University and additional standard allowances for travel, conference, consumables, training and support costs.

PhD scholarships include an annual tax-free training allowance (stipend) starting at £14,057 for year 1, with full-time fees waived by the University and additional standard allowances for travel, conference, consumables, training and support costs.

Stipend payments are paid on the submission of complete and approved monthly timesheets and activity details, and are paid in arrears.

Does the research student spend time at the company?

Yes, this is an important element of the KESS 2 model. Scholars will spend a minimum of 30 days per year at the company, subject to agreement. This can be flexible depending on the project.

How do you apply for a KESS 2 scholarship?

KESS 2 scholarships are project-led by our company partners and academics. Scholarship vacancies can become available at all our partner universities during key points throughout the year.